Eddie Howe explains Kieran Trippier substitution during Newcastle’s heavy defeat at Man City

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After two consecutive victories in the domestic cup competitions, Newcastle United were brought crashing back down to earth.

Indeed, Newcastle United’s struggles at the Etihad Stadium continued on Saturday. And then some.

Manchester City thrashed Newcastle 4-0 on a bitterly disappointing day for Eddie Howe and his team, who looked beaten even before a ball was kicked.

The Magpies were passive throughout. So much so that Kieran Trippier was furious with Fabian Schar, while Trippier’s performance was also slammed by Newcastle fans.

Lewis Hall was another player who was criticised, summing up what a torrid day Newcastle had at the office.

At half-time, Howe made a big call – albeit one that didn’t work out in the end. Trippier and Joe Willock were hauled off at the break for Tino Livramento and Lewis Miley.

• READ MORE: Who is Kieran Trippier? Age, height, family, net worth

Eddie Howe explains brutal Kieran Trippier substitution against Man City

It was a brutal decision to take the right-back off, particularly after Trippier was praised for his performance against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup not long ago.

Still, the 34-year-old was at fault for City’s opener, misjudging the flight of the ball and getting a header all wrong, duly allowing Omar Marmoush to run in and lob Martin Dubravka.

Asked whether or not the decision to take both Trippier and Willock off at half-time was down to injury, the Newcastle United manager simply responded: “No”.

Ouch.

Kieran Trippier stats vs Man City don’t make for good reading

Trippier certainly wasn’t alone to have struggled on Saturday but his statistics certainly don’t make for pleasant reading.

As per SofaScore, the veteran defender won neither of his ground duels, lost possession three times and gave away two fouls during his 45 minutes of action, while failing to make a tackle.

Livramento surely has to reclaim his starting berth reasonably soon. Trippier can still be relied upon for the odd game it seems but expecting him to be the consistent force of old seems unwise.